The Coalition of Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) supports the Malacca High Court decision earlier today in granting leave for judicial review on the redelineation issue.
The case was coordinated by BERSIH 2.0 and filed by 7 voters in Malacca who challenged the constitutionality of the redelineation report which was passed by parliament on March 28. The same 7 plaintiffs also filed a similar case in 2017, challenging the second proposed recommendation by the EC, but was dismissed by the Federal Court in February 2018 (before parliament passed the report)
This means that the legality of the new electoral boundaries which will be used in the 14th General Elections (GE14) is once again thrown into question.
The legality of the GE14 will be affected if it is contested based on the new boundaries, and the court later finds them unconstitutional.
BERSIH 2.0 reiterates that the root cause of the problem is the EC, who abused the redelineation process in all possible ways.
BERSIH 2.0 maintains its position that the electoral boundaries that were passed in parliament is unconstitutional as it is biased, unfair, and violates constitutional principles such as vote equality and maintenance of local ties.
BERSIH 2.0 calls upon the judiciary to defend the Constitution and integrity of the electoral system by allowing the Malacca case to proceed with due process. The judiciary should act without fear or favour in ensuring check and balance against the conduct of the Election Commission in this matter.
Issued by:
Steering Committee of BERSIH 2.0
For further enquiries, contact:
Chan Tsu Chong, spokesperson for the 7 plaintiffs (016 286 1313)